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QMI Agency

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. -- A Hamilton Tiger-Cats player was booted from the CFL team after he was allegedly found with steroids and pot at Sault Ste. Marie's International Bridge.

Jordan Kyle Matechuck, 25, was chosen for a secondary exam on May 31, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. He said he was driving to Hamilton from Alberta.

A small amount of marijuana, 19 syringes, 51 replacement needles, 543 anabolic steroid pills and 262 millilitres of anabolic liquids were allegedly discovered in a pill bottle, small box and shaving kit.

Matechuck was charged with possession of Oxycontin, possession of steroids and possession of marijuana.

He was held at Chippewa County Jail before being released June 2.

Matechuck was supposed to attend a review of his charges on Monday at 91st Judicial District Court in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

"He didn't show up," said Chippewa County prosecutor Brian Peppler. "I have no idea why."

A bench warrant was issued, but if Matechuck returned to Canada, Peppler doubts he could be forced to the United States.

"I don't think so, not on these charges," he said.

The Tiger-Cats released the native of Yorkton, Sask., on Tuesday night after learning from the media about his arrest.

"We are deeply, deeply disappointed on two fronts: that a player faces such charges and that the same player would keep such obviously important information from our organization," head coach Marcel Bellefeulle said in a statement posted on the team's website.

Scott McNaughton, manager of media relations with the team, would not comment further when reached Wednesday morning.

Matechuck signed as a free agent with the team in 2008.

The Tiger-Cats open their exhibition season June 18 against Toronto Argonauts.